In a bizarre yet heartwarming twist of cultural misinterpretation, a viral video has taken social media by storm, showing an Indian woman earnestly offering prayers to a Labubu doll — under the belief that it is a Chinese god. Labubu, a quirky plush toy with snaggle-toothed charm, has recently become a global trend, capturing the hearts of Gen Z and collectors worldwide.

In the viral clip, the woman is seen performing traditional Hindu rituals, including offering prasad and folding her hands in reverence before the doll. The video, originally shared on TikTok and later reposted on X (formerly Twitter), has sparked laughter and introspection across platforms.

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According to the caption accompanying the clip, the confusion began when a young girl told her mother that Labubu was a Chinese deity. Without questioning it, the mother embraced the belief and began worshipping the doll, prompting the phrase “Jai Labubu” to trend among amused users.

While many viewers found the video humorous, others noted the deeper implications of such cultural mashups and the rapid spread of misinformation online. Comments ranged from cheeky—”This is the last generation of innocence”—to spiritual: “When you’re truly devotional, even a toy can become a source of transformation.”

Labubu was created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung and has skyrocketed in popularity since its debut. Originally inspired by Nordic mythology and launched in 2019, the toy became a pop culture sensation after celebrities like BLACKPINK’s Lisa, Rihanna, and Dua Lipa were seen carrying it on designer bags.

Despite its cute and quirky appeal, Labubu hasn’t escaped controversy. Some critics have compared the doll’s aesthetic to Pazuzu, the demonic figure from The Exorcist, warning that it could carry “negative energy.” Still, its charm seems to outweigh the concerns for most, with prices for rare editions soaring as high as ₹10.5 lakh.

As this light-hearted mix-up goes viral, it reminds us of both the innocent nature of devotion and the unpredictable ways global trends can integrate into local traditions.